Russia’s decision to conduct State Duma elections in Ukrainian territories under its control has drawn condemnation from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway, which say the move violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
In a joint statement published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on Monday, September 21, the five countries said the elections were held in Crimea and the Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
They described the polls as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the UN Charter, saying Russia’s actions form part of a broader system of occupation involving the imposition of its administration, laws, media, education, language and citizenship, allegedly enforced through coercion and repression.
The governments also referenced reports of enforced disappearances, detention and torture involving thousands of Ukrainians, stressing that conducting elections in the occupied territories does not alter their status under international law.
They urged the international community to reject efforts to normalise Russia’s occupation, hold those responsible for organising the elections accountable and continue supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The five countries also called for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and demanded a “full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire”, insisting that “borders must never be redrawn by force.”
